Electroluminescent device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are electroluminescent devices that comprise organic layers that contain pyridine compounds. The pyridine compounds are suitable components of blue-emitting, durable, organo-electroluminescent layers. The electroluminescent devices may be employed for full color display panels in, for example, mobile phones, televisions and personal computer screens.

The present invention relates to organo-electroluminescent (EL) devices, in particular EL devices that comprise durable, blue-emitting organo-electroluminescent layers. The organo-electroluminescent layers comprise certain pyridine compounds.

The present invention is aimed at an electroluminescent device comprising an organic light-emitting layer that contains at least one blue-emitting pyridine compound.

A. Kurfürst et al., Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 54 (1989) 462-472 relates to photoluminescent 2,4,6-triarylpyridines of the following formula:

m n 1a 1 1 1b 1 2 1c 1 3 1d 2 2 1e 2 3 1f 3 3

as well as dimeric pyridines of formula: m n

2a 2b 2c 2d 2e 2f 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 CS262586 discloses photoluminescent pyridines of the following formula:

wherein Ar is

EP-A-1,202,608 discloses EL devices comprising a carbazole compound of formula

wherein R is

and X is C or N, which constitutes the hole transporting layer.

JP2002324678 relates to light emitting elements comprising at least one kind of compound of formula

wherein Ar¹¹, Ar²¹ and Ar³¹ denote arylene groups, Ar¹², Ar²² and Ar³² denote substituents or hydrogen atoms, wherein at least one of Ar¹¹, Ar²¹, Ar³¹, Ar¹², Ar²² and Ar³² is either a condensed ring aryl structure or a condensed ring heteroaryl structure; Ar denotes an arylene group or a heteroarylene group; and at least one amine derivative having a condensed ring group with two or more rings are contained in a luminous layer. As examples of compounds of the above formula, wherein Ar denotes a heteroarylene group the following two compounds are explicitly mentioned:

wherein R is a group of formula

It is the object of the present invention to provide a light emitting element with excellent light emitting characteristics and durability.

Accordingly the present invention relates to an electroluminescent device comprising an anode, a cathode and one or a plurality of organic compound layers sandwiched therebetween, in which said organic compound layers comprise a pyridine compound of formula

wherein at least one of the groups W, X and Y is a group of formula

or at least one of the groups W, X and Y is a condensed C₁₀-C₃₀aryl group, such as naphthyl, as-indacnyl, s-indacenyl, acenaphthyl, fluorenyl, phenalenyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen, picenyl, perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, or pyrenyl, which can be substituted by one or more groups G; and the other groups are independently of each other an aryl group or a heteroaryl group, especially a group of formula

wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷, R^(17′), R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′), R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷ and R^(47′) are independently of each other H, E, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by G; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; or C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; or

-   -   R^(11′) and R¹², R^(12′) and R¹³, R^(15′) and R¹⁶, R^(16′) and         R¹⁷, R^(44′) and R⁴⁶ and/or R^(45′) and R⁴⁷ are each a divalent         group L¹ selected from an oxygen atom, an sulfur atom,         >CR¹⁸R¹⁹>SiR¹⁸R¹⁹, or         wherein R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₁₈alkyl;         C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, C₋₆C₁₈aryl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl;

R¹¹ and R^(11′), R¹² and R^(12′), R¹³ and R^(13′), R^(13′) and R¹⁴, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵, R¹⁵ and R^(15′), R¹⁶ and R^(16′), R^(17′) and R¹⁷, R⁴¹ and R^(41′), R⁴² and R^(42′), R^(42′) and R⁴³, R^(41′) and R⁴³, R⁴⁴ and R^(44′), R⁴⁵ and R^(45′), R⁴⁶ and R^(46′), R⁴⁷ and R^(47′), R^(46′) and R⁴⁸ and/or R^(47′) and R⁴⁸ are each a divalent group

wherein R³⁰, R³¹, R³², R³³, R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁰ are independently of each other H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; E; C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl, which is substituted by G;

-   -   R¹⁴ is H, C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, or C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl which is         substituted by G; —NR⁷⁰R⁷¹; C₆-C₃₀aryl, or C₆-C₃₀aryl which is         substituted by G, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; especially         wherein R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶ and R²⁷ are independently         of each other H, E, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; E; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl;         C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G;     -   R⁴³ and R⁴⁸ are independently of each other H, E; C₁-C₁₈alkyl;         C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D;         C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl; or C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, which is substituted by         G; —NR⁷⁰R⁷¹, wherein R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹ are independently of each other         a C₆-C₁₈aryl group, which can be substituted by G;         C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G, or is a         condensed C₁₀-C₃₀aryl group, such as naphthyl, as-indacnyl,         s-indacenyl, acenaphthyl, fluorenyl, phenalenyl, phenanthrenyl,         anthracenyl, fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen,         picenyl, perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, or pyrenyl, which         can be substituted by one or more groups G; or R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹         together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded form a         five or six-membered ring,     -   D is —CO—; —COO—; —OCOO—; —S—; —SO—; —SO₂—; —O—; —NR⁵—;         SiR¹¹R¹²—; —POR⁵—; —CR⁹═CR¹⁰—; or —C≡C—; E is —OR⁵; —SR⁵;         —NR⁵R⁶; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁸; —CN; or halogen, especially F         or Cl; G is E, or C₁-C₁₈alkyl, wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are         independently of each other C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is         substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         interrupted by —O—; or     -   R⁵ and R⁶ together form a five or six membered ring, in         particular     -   R⁷ is C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by         C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by         —O—;     -   R⁸ is C₇-C₁₂alkylaryl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         interrupted by —O—;     -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently of each other H, C₆-C₁₈aryl;         C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or         C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; and     -   R¹¹ and R¹² are independently of each other C₆-C₁₈aryl;         C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or         C₁-C₁8alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; with the proviso that         compounds of formula I, wherein Y is         and X and W are         Y is         X         is and W is         Y and W are         and X is         W is         X is         and Y is         are excluded.

In general, the pyridine compound or compounds emit light below about 520 nm, in particular between about 310 nm and about 520 nm.

The pyridine compound or compounds have preferably a NTSC coordinate of between about (0.12, 0.05) and about (0.16, 0.10), very especially a NTSC coordinate of about (0.14, 0.08).

The pyridine compound or compounds have a melting point above about 150° C., preferably above about 200° C. and most preferred above about 250° C.

To obtain organic layers of this invention with the proper T_(g), or glass transition temperature, it is advantageous that the present organic compounds have a melting point greater than about 150° C., for example greater than about 200° C., for example greater than about 250° C., for instance greater than about 300° C.

The electroluminescent devices of the present invention are otherwise designed as is known in the art, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,824, 6,225,467, 6,280,859, 5,629,389, 5,486,406, 5,104,740, 5,116,708 and 6,057,048, the relevant disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

For example, organic EL devices contain one or more layers such as: substrate; base electrode; hole-injecting layer; hole transporting layer; emitter layer; electron-transporting layer; electron-injecting layer; top electrode; contacts and encapsulation. This structure is a general case and may have additional layers or may be simplified by omitting layers so that one layer performs a plurality of tasks. For instance, the simplest organic EL device consists of two electrodes which sandwich an organic layer that performs all functions, including the function of light emission.

A preferred EL device comprises in this order

(a) an anode,

(b) a hole injecting layer and/or a hole transporting layer,

(c) a light-emitting layer,

(d) optionally an electron transporting layer and

(e) a cathode.

In particular, the present organic compounds function as light emitters and are contained in the light emission layer or form the light-emitting layer.

The light emitting compounds of this invention exhibit intense fluorescence in the solid state and have excellent electric-field-applied light emission characteristics. Further, the light emitting compounds of this invention are excellent in the injection of holes from a metal electrode and the transportation of holes; as well as being excellent in the injection of electrons from a metal electrode and the transportation of electrons. They are effectively used as light emitting materials and may be used in combination with other hole transporting materials, other electron transporting materials or other dopants.

The organic compounds of the present invention form uniform thin films. The light emitting layers may therefore be formed of the present organic compounds alone.

Alternatively, the light-emitting layer may contain a known light-emitting material, a known dopant, a known hole transporting material or a known electron transporting material as required. In the organic EL device, a decrease in the brightness and life caused by quenching can be prevented by forming it as a multi-layered structure. The light-emitting material, a dopant, a hole-injecting material and an electron-injecting material may be used in combination as required. Further, a dopant can improve the light emission brightness and the light emission efficiency, and can attain the red or blue light emission. Further, each of the hole transporting zone, the light-emitting layer and the electron transporting zone may have the layer structure of at least two layers. In the hole transporting zone in this case, a layer to which holes are injected from an electrode is called “hole-injecting layer”, and a layer which receives holes from the hole-injecting layer and transport the holes to a light-emitting layer is called “hole transporting layer”. In the electron transporting zone, a layer to which electrons are injected from an electrode is called “electron-injecting layer”, and a layer which receives electrons from the electron-injecting layer and transports the electrons to a light-emitting layer is called “electron transporting layer”. These layers are selected and used depending upon factors such as the energy level and heat resistance of materials and adhesion to an organic layer or metal electrode.

The light-emitting material or the dopant which may be used in the light-emitting layer together with the organic compounds of the present invention includes for example anthracene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, tetracene, coronene, chrysene, fluorescein, perylene, phthaloperylene, naphthaloperylene, perinone, phthaoperinone, naphthaloperinone, diphenylbutadiene, tetraphenylbutadiene, coumarine, oxadiazole, aldazine, bisbenzoxazoline, bisstyryl, pyrazine, cyclopentadiene, quinoline metal complex, aminoquinoline metal complex, benzoquinoline metal complex, imine, diphenylethylene, vinyl anthracene, diaminocarbazole, pyran, thiopyran, polymethine, merocyanine, an imidazole-chelated oxynoid compound, quinacridone, rubrene, and fluorescent dyestuffs for a dyestuff laser or for brightening.

The pyridine compounds of the present invention and the above compound or compounds that can be used in a light-emitting layer may be used in any mixing ratio for forming a light-emitting layer. That is, the organic compounds of the present invention may provide a main component for forming a light-emitung layer, or they may be a doping material in another main material, depending upon a combination of the above compounds with the organic compounds of the present invention.

The hole-injecting material is selected from compounds which are capable of transporting holes, are capable of receiving holes from the anode, have an excellent effect of injecting holes to a light-emitting layer or a light-emitting material, prevent the movement of excitons generated in a light-emitting layer to an electron-injecting zone or an electron-injecting material and have the excellent capability of forming a thin film. Suitable hole-injecting materials include for example a phthalocyanine derivative, a naphthalocyanine derivative, a porphyrin derivative, oxazole, oxadiazole, triazole, imidazole, imidazolone, imidazolthione, pyrazoline, pyrazolone, tetrahydroimidazole, oxazole, oxadiazole, hydrazone, acylhydrazone, polyarylalkane, stilbene, butadiene, benzidine type triphenylamine, styrylamine type triphenylamine, diamine type triphenylamine, derivatives of these, and polymer materials such as polyvinylcarbazole, polysilane and an electroconducting polymer.

In the organic EL device of the present invention, the hole-injecting material which is more effective is an aromatic tertiary amine derivative or a phthalocyanine derivative. Although not specially limited, specific examples of the tertiary amine derivative include triphenylamine, tritolylamine, tolyldiphenylamine, N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-(3-methylphenyl)-1,1-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-methylphenyl)-1,1′-phenyl-4,4′-diamine, N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-methylphenyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-ciamine, N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine, N,N′-di(methylphenyl)-N,N′-di(4-n-butylphenyl)-phenanthrene-9,10-diamine, 4,4′,4″-tris(3-methylphenyl)-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine, 1,1-bis(4-di-p-tolylaminophenyl)cyclohexane, and oligomers or polymers having aromatic tertiary amine structures of these.

Although not specially limited, specific examples of the phthalocyanine (Pc) derivative include phthalocyanine derivatives or naphthalocyanine derivatives such as H₂Pc, CuPc, CoPc, NiPc, ZnPc, PdPc, FePc, MnPc, ClAIPc, ClGaPc, ClInPc, ClSnPc, Cl₂SiPc, (HO)AlPc, (HO)GaPc, VOPc, TiOPc, MoOPc, and GaPc-O—GaPc.

The hole transporting layer can reduce the driving voltage of the device and improve the confinement of the injected charge recombination within the pyridine light emitting layer. Any conventional suitable aromatic amine hole transporting materials described for the hole-injecting layer may be selected for forming this layer.

A preferred class of hole transporting materials is comprised of 4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl compounds of the formula

wherein R⁶¹ and R⁶² is a hydrogen atom or an C₁-C₃alkyl group; R⁶³ through R⁶⁶ are substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C₁-C₆alkyl group, a C₁-C₆alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a dialkylamino group, a C₆-C₃₀aryl group, and the like. Illustrative examples of 4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl compounds include 4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl and 4,4′-bis(3-methyl-9-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl, and the like. The electron transporting layer is not necessarily required for the present device, but is optionally and preferably used for the primary purpose of improving the electron injection characteristics of the EL devices and the emission uniformity. Illustrative examples of electron transporting compounds, which can be utilized in this layer, include the metal chelates of 8-hydroxyquinoline as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,539,507, 5,151,629, and 5,150,006, the disclosures of which are totally incorporated herein by reference.

Although not specially limited, specific examples of the metal complex compound include lithium 8-hydroxyquinolinate, zinc bis(8-hydroxyquinolinate), copper bis(8-hydroxyquinolinate), manganese bis(8-hydroxyquinolinate), aluminum tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate), aluminum tris(2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinolinate), gallium tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate), beryllium bis(10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolinate), zinc bis(10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolinate), chlorogallium bis(2-methyl-8quinolinate), gallium bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinate)(ocresolate), aluminum bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinate)(1-naphtholate), gallium bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinate)(2-naphtholate), gallium bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinate)phenolate, zinc bis(o-(2-benzooxazolyl)phenolate), zinc bis(o-(2-benzothiazolyl)phenolate) and zinc bis(o-(2-benzotrizolyl)phenolate). The nitrogen-containing five-membered derivative is preferably an oxazole, thiazole, thiadiazole, or triazole derivative. Although not specially limited, specific examples of the above nitrogen-containing five-membered derivative include 2,5-bis(1-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxazole, 1,4-bis(2-(4-methyl-5-phenyloxazolyl)benzene, 2,5-bis(1-phenyl)-1,3,4-thiazole, 2,5-bis(1-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2-(4′-tert-butylphenyl)-5-(4′-biphenyl)1,3,4-oxadiazole, 2,5-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,4-bis[2-(5-phenyloxadiazolyl)]benzene, 1,4-bis[2-(5-phenyloxadiazolyl)-4-tert-butylbenzene], 2-(4′-tert-butylphenyl)-5-(4″-biphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 2,5-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 1,4-bis[2-(5-phenylthiazolyl)]benzene, 2-(4′-tert-butylphenyl)-5-(4″-biphenyl)-1,3,4-triazole, 2,5-bis(1-naphthylyl)-1,3,4-triazole and 1,4-bis[2-(5-phenyltriazolyl)]benzene. Another class of electron transport materials are oxadiazole metal chelates, such as bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(1-naphthyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(1-naphthyly-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis[5-biphenyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[5-biphenyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]lithium; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-p-tolyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis[5-(p-tert-butylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[5-(p-tert-butylphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiaeolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl 5-(4-fluorophenyly-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxy phenyl)-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxymethylphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-.alpha.-(2-hydroxynaphthyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-p-pyridyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-p-pyridyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]beryllium; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(2-thiophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolato]zinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazolatolzinc; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazolato]beryllium; bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(1-naphthyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazolato]zinc; and bis[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(1-naphthyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazolato]beryllium, and the like.

In the organic EL device of the present invention, the light-emitting layer may contain, in addition to the light-emitting organic material of the present invention, at least one of other light-emitting material, other dopant, other hole-injecting material and other electron-injecting material. For improving the organic EL device of the present invention in the stability against temperature, humidity and ambient atmosphere, a protective layer may be formed on the surface of the device, or the device as a whole may be sealed with a silicone oil, or the like.

The electrically conductive material used for the anode of the organic EL device is suitably selected from those materials having a work function of greater than 4 eV. The electrically conductive material includes carbon, aluminum, vanadium, iron, cobalt, nickel, tungsten, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, alloys of these, metal oxides such as tin oxide and indium oxide used for ITO substrates or NESA substrates, and organic electroconducting polymers such as polythiophene and polypyrrole.

The electrically conductive material used for the cathode is suitably selected from those having a work function of smaller than 4 eV. The electrically conductive material includes magnesium, calcium, tin, lead, titanium, yttrium, lithium, ruthenium, manganese, aluminum and alloys of these, while the electrically conductive material shall not be limited to these. Examples of the alloys include magnesium/silver, magnesium/indium and lithium/aluminum, while the alloys shall not be limited to these. Each of the anode and the cathode may have a layer structure formed of two layers or more as required.

For the effective light emission of the organic EL device, at least one of the electrodes is desirably sufficiently transparent in the light emission wavelength region of the device. Further, the substrate is desirably transparent as well. The transparent electrode is produced from the above electrically conductive material by a deposition method or a sputtering method such that a predetermined light transmittance is secured. The electrode on the light emission surface side has for instance a light transmittance of at least 10%. The substrate is not specially limited so long as it has adequate mechanical and thermal strength and has transparency. For example, it is selected from glass substrates and substrates of transparent resins such as a polyethylene substrate, a polyethylene terephthalate substrate, a polyether sulfone substrate and a polypropylene substrate.

In the organic EL device of the present invention, each layer can be formed by any one of dry film forming methods such as a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, a plasma method and an ion plating method and wet film forming methods such as a spin coating method, a dipping method and a flow coating method. The thickness of each layer is not specially limited, while each layer is required to have a proper thickness. When the layer thickness is too large, inefficiently, a high voltage is required to achieve predetermined emission of light. When the layer thickness is too small, the layer is liable to have a pinhole, etc., so that sufficient light emission brightness is hard to obtain when an electric field is applied. The thickness of each layer is for example in the range of from about 5 nm to about 10 μm, for instance about 10 nm to about 0.2 μm.

In the wet film forming method, a material for forming an intended layer is dissolved or dispersed in a proper solvent such as ethanol, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, and a thin film is formed from the solution or dispersion. The solvent shall not be limited to the above solvents. For improving the film formability and preventing the occurrence of pinholes in any layer, the above solution or dispersion for forming the layer may contain a proper resin and a proper additive. The resin that can be used includes insulating resins such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polysulfone, polymethyl methacrylate, polymethyl acrylate and cellulose, copolymers of these, photoconductive resins such as poly-N-vinylcarbozole and polysilane, and electroconducting polymers such as polythiophene and polypyrrole. The above additive includes an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorbent and a plasticizer.

When the light-emitting organic material of the present invention is used in a light-emitting layer of an organic EL device, an organic EL device can be improved in organic EL device characteristics such as light emission efficiency and maximum light emission brightness.

Further, the organic EL device of the present invention is remarkably stable against heat and electric current and gives a usable light emission brightness at a low actuation voltage. The problematic deterioration of conventional devices can be remarkably decreased.

The organic EL device of the present invention has significant industrial values since it can be adapted for a flat panel display of an on-wall television set, a flat light-emitting device, a light source for a copying machine or a printer, a light source for a liquid crystal display or counter, a display signboard and a signal light.

The material of the present invention can be used in the fields of an organic EL device, an electrophotographic photoreceptor, a photoelectric converter, a solar cell, an image sensor, dye lasers and the like.

The pyridine compounds of formula I are novel. Hence, a further subject of the present invention is directed to pyridine compounds of formula

wherein

-   -   at least one of the groups W, X and Y is a group of formula         or at least one of the groups W, X and Y is a condensed         C₁₀-C₃₀aryl group, such as naphthyl, as-indacnyl, s-indacenyl,         acenaphthyl, fluorenyl, phenalenyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl,         fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen, picenyl,         perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, or pyrenyl, which can be         substituted by one or more groups G;     -   and the other groups are independently of each other an aryl         group or a heteroaryl group, especially a group of formula         wherein     -   R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R¹³′, R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶,         R^(16′), R¹⁷, R^(17′), R⁴¹, , R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′), R⁴⁴,         R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷ and R^(47′) are         independently of each other H, E, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which         is substituted by G; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; or         C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; or R^(11′) and R¹²,         R^(12′) and R¹³, R^(15′) and R¹⁶, R^(16′) and R¹⁷, R^(44′) and         R⁴⁶ and/or R^(45′) and R⁴⁷ are each a divalent group L¹ selected         from an oxygen atom, an sulfur atom, >CR¹⁸R¹⁹>SiR¹⁸R¹⁹, or         wherein     -   R¹⁶ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₁₈alkyl;         C₁-C₁₆alkoxy, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl;     -   R¹¹ and R^(11′), R¹² and R^(12′), R¹³ and R^(13′), R^(13′) and         R¹⁴, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵, R¹⁵ and R^(15′), R¹⁶ and R^(16′), R^(17′) and         R¹⁷, R⁴¹ and R^(41′), R⁴² and R^(42′), R^(42 ′) and R⁴³, R^(41′)         and R⁴³, R⁴⁴ and R^(44′), R⁴⁵ and R^(45′), R⁴⁶ and R^(46′), R⁴⁷         and R^(47′), R^(48′) and R⁴⁸ and/or R^(47′) and R⁴⁸ are each a         divalent group         wherein R³⁰, R³¹, R³², R³³, R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁰ are independently of         each other H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is substituted by         E and/or interrupted by D; E; C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl, which is         substituted by G;     -   R¹⁴ is H, C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, or C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl which is         substituted by G; —NR⁷⁰R⁷¹, C₆-C₃₀aryl, or C₆-C₃₀aryl which is         substituted by G, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; especially         wherein R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶ and R²⁷ are independently         of each other H, E, C₁-C₁₆alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is         substituted by E and/or 20 interrupted by D; E; C₇-C₁₅aralkyl;         C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G;     -   R⁴³ and R⁴⁸ are independently of each other H, E; C₁-C₁₈alkyl;         C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D;         C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl; or C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, which is substituted by         G; —NR⁷⁰R⁷¹, wherein R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹ are independently of each other         a C₆-C₁₈aryl group, which can be substituted by G;         C₇-C₁₆aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G, or is a         condensed C₁₀-C₃₀aryl group, such as naphthyl, as-indacnyl,         s-indacenyl, acenaphthyl, fluorenyl, phenalenyl, phenanthrenyl,         anthracenyl, fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen,         picenyl, perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, or pyrenyl, which         can be substituted by one or more groups G; or R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹         together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded form         afive or six-membered ring,     -   or R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are         bonded form a five or six-membered ring,     -   D is —CO—; —COO—; —OCOO—; —S—; —SO—; —SO₂—; —O—; —NR⁵—;         SiR¹¹R¹²—; —POR⁵—; —CR⁹═CR¹⁰—; or —C≡C—;     -   E is —OR⁵; —SR⁵; —NR⁵R⁶; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁶; —CN; or         halogen, especially F, or Cl; G is E, or C₁-C₁₈alkyl, wherein R⁵         and R⁶ are independently of each other C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl         which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C,₈alkyl         which is interrupted by —O—; or     -   R⁵ and R⁶ together form a five or six membered ring, in         particular     -   R⁷ is C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by         C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by         —O—;     -   R⁸ is C₇-C₁₂alkylaryl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or Cl-C,₈alkyl which is         interrupted by —O—;     -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently of each other H, C₆-C₁₈aryl;         C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or         C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; and     -   R¹¹ and R¹² are independently of each other C₆-C₁₈aryl;         C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or         C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; with the proviso that         compounds of formula I, wherein Y is         and X and W are         Y is         X is         and W is         Y and W are         and X is         W is         X is         and Y is         are excluded.

W is preferably a group of formula

wherein R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H and R²⁰ is H, especially

or R¹³ and R¹⁶ are H, R^(13′) and R¹⁵ are independently of each other H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, and R²⁰ is H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy; or R¹³, R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H, and R^(13′) and R²⁰ are

R²⁰, R¹⁵and R^(15′) are H, and R¹³ and R^(13′) are

wherein

-   -   R³⁰, R³¹, R³² and R³³ are H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, and X         and Y are as defined above.

According to the present invention at least one of the groups W, X and Y, preferably two of 15 the groups W, X and Y, most preferred all three groups W, X and Y are a group of formula

Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention the pyridine compound is a compound of formula 1, wherein W and Y or W and X (═X and Y) are independently of each other a group of formula

especially

and

-   -   X is a group of formula         especially         wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R_(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁴, R¹⁵,         R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R^(16′), R¹⁷, R^(17′), R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴²,         R^(42′), R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷, R^(47′),         R⁴³ and R⁴⁸ are as defined above, especially H, C₁-C₈alkyl,         C₁-C₈alkoxy, or phenyl.

R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷ and R^(17′), R⁴¹, R^(41′, R) ⁴², R^(42′), R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷, and R⁴⁷′ as well as R¹⁴, R⁴³, and R⁴⁸ are preferably independently of each other H, E; or C₁-C₈alkyl, especially H, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, or phenyl; wherein E is —OR⁵;

-   -   —SR⁵; —NR⁵R⁶; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁶; —CN; —OCOOR⁷; or halogen,         especially F;     -   wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other C₆-C₁₂aryl, or         C₁-C₈alkyl; —R⁷ is C₇-C₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl; and     -   R⁸ is C₆-C₁₂aryl; or C₁-C₈alkyl, or     -   R¹¹ and R^(11′), R¹² and R^(12′), R¹³ and R^(13′l , R) ^(13′)         and R¹⁴, R⁴¹ and R^(41′), R^(41′) and R⁴³, R⁴⁴ and R^(44′), R⁴⁶         and R^(46′), R^(46′) and R⁴⁸ and/or R^(47′) and R⁴⁸ are each a         divalent group

In one more preferred embodiment of the present invention W, X and Y are independently of each other a group of formula

wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷ and R^(17′) are independently of each other H, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₈-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by G; E, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; and D, E, R¹⁴, R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are as defined above, or

-   -   W is a group of the formula —W¹—W²—W³,     -   X is a group of the formula —X¹—X²—X³ and     -   Y is a group of the formula —Y¹—Y²—Y³, wherein W¹, W², X¹, X²,         Y¹ and Y² are independently of each other a group of formula         and W³, X³ and Y³ are independently of each other a group of         formula         wherein R¹⁴ is as defined above.

W, X and Y can be different, but have preferably the same meaning.

Pyridine compounds of formula I are preferred, wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷ and R^(17′), R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′), R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷, and R^(47′) are independently of each other H, E; or C₁-C₈alkyl; wherein

-   -   E is —OR⁵; —SR⁵; —NR⁵R⁸; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁸; —CN; —OCOOR⁷;         or halogen; wherein     -   R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other C₆-C₁₂aryl; or         C₁-C₈alkyl;     -   R⁷ is C₇-C₁₂ alkylaryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl; and     -   R⁸ is C₆-C₁₂aryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl.

In a further preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to compounds of formula

wherein

-   -   X is         and     -   W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—(W²)₈—W³, wherein e is 0,         or 1,     -   W¹ is a group of formula     -   W² is a group of formula     -   W³ is a group of formula         wherein     -   R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R^(15′),         R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷, R^(17′), R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴²,         R^(42′), R⁴³, R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷ and         R^(47′) rare as defined above, or R^(15′) and R⁴¹ or R^(15′) and         R⁴⁵ represents a single carbon carbon bond, or X, W and Y are a         group of the formula —W¹—W²—W³, wherein W¹, W² and W³ are as         defined above.

In said embodiment compounds of formula I are especially preferred, wherein X is

and

-   -   W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—W²—W³, wherein     -   W¹ is a group of formula     -   W² is a group of formula     -   W³ is a group of formula         wherein     -   R¹⁴ is H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, and     -   wherein R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₈alkyl.

In a further preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to compounds of formula

wherein X is a group of formula

which can optionally be substituted by G, Ar is a group of formula

which can optionally be substituted by G, or X is a group of formula

In a further preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to compounds of formula

wherein

-   -   X is         and     -   W and Y are a group Ar¹—Ar², wherein     -   Ar¹ is a group of formula     -   Ar² is a group of formula         wherein     -   R³⁰, R³¹, R³², R³³, R³⁴, R³⁵, R³⁶, R³⁷ and R³⁸ are independently         of each other H, E, C₆-C₁₈aryl;     -   C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by G; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl         which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D;         C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; or C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G;     -   e is an integer 1, or 2, or     -   X, W and Y are a group Ar¹—Ar², wherein Ar¹ and Ar² are as         defined above, and D, E, G, R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R⁴¹,         R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′), and R¹⁴ are defined above.

In said embodiment compounds of formula I are especially preferred, wherein

-   -   X is         and     -   W and Y are a group Ar¹—Ar², wherein     -   Ar¹ is a group of formula     -   Ar² is a group of formula     -   e is an integer 1, or 2,     -   R¹⁴ is H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, or     -   X, W and Y are a group Ar¹—Ar², wherein Ar¹ and Ar² are as         defined above.

In a further preferred embodiment the present invention is directed to compounds of formula

wherein

-   -   X is         and     -   W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—(W²)_(b)—W³, wherein b is         0, or, 1,     -   W¹ and W² are independently of each other a group of formula     -   W³ is a group of formula         or —NR⁶⁰R⁶¹, wherein R⁶⁰ and R⁶¹ are independently of each other         a group of formula         wherein R⁵², R⁵³ and R⁵⁴ are independently of each other         hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group,         C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkylthio, halogen, halo-C₁-C₈alkyl, a cyano         group, an aldehyde group, a ketone group, a carboxyl group, an         ester group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, a nitro group, a         silyl group or a siloxanyl group, wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹²,         R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁴, R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷,         R^(17′), R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′l , R) ⁴⁴, R^(44′),         R⁴⁵, R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷, and R^(47′) are as defined above, or X,         W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—(W²)_(b)—W³, wherein b,         W¹, W² and W³ are as defined above.

In said embodiment compounds of formula I are especially preferred, wherein

-   -   X is         and     -   W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—(W²)_(b)—W³, wherein b is         0, or 1,     -   W¹ is a group of formula     -   W² is a group of formula     -   W³ is a group of formula         or —NR⁶⁰R⁶¹, wherein R⁶⁰ and R⁶¹ a re independently of each         other a group of formula     -   R¹⁴ is H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, and     -   R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₈alkyl.

Especially preferred are pyridine compounds of formula I, wherein

-   -   W, X and Y are independently of each other a group of formula         wherein R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H and R²⁰ is H,         especially         or     -   R¹³ and R¹⁵ are H, R^(13′) and R^(15′) are independently of each         other H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, and R²⁰ is H, C₁-C₈alkyl,         or C₁-C₈alkoxy; or     -   R¹³, R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H, and R^(13′) and R²⁰ are         or     -   R²⁰, R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H, and R¹³ and R^(13′) are         wherein     -   R³⁰, R³¹, R³² and R³³ are H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy; or         wherein     -   W, X and Y are independently of each other a group of formula         wherein R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₈alkyl.

Specific examples of preferred pyridine compounds are:

The present pyridine compounds can be prepared according to or analogous to known procedures. The pyridine compounds of the present invention of the formula:

can, for example, be prepared according to a process, which comprises reacting a derivative of formula

wherein R¹⁰⁰ stands for halogen such as chloro or bromo, preferably bromo (cf. F. Kröhnke, Synthesis 1976, 1), or E¹ having the meaning of

wherein a is 2 or 3,

-   -   with boronic acid derivative     -   E¹-Ar,     -   or —in case R¹ is not halogen—     -   Hal-Ar,     -   wherein Hal stands for halogen, preferably for bromo,     -   wherein Ar is C₁₂-C₃₀-aryl, which can be substituted, especially         in the presence of an allylpalladium catalyst of the         μ-halo(triisopropylphosphine)(η³-allyl)palladium(II) type (see         for example WO99/47474).

Accordingly, unsymmetrical substituted pyridine compounds of the present invention of the formula:

can, for example, be prepared according to a process, which comprises reacting a derivative of formula 1 (cf. F. Kröhnke, Synthesis 1976, 1)

with a boronic acid derivative E¹-Ar, wherein E¹ is as defined above.

C₁-C₁₈Alkyl is a branched or unbranched radical such as for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2-ethylbutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, n-hexyl, 1-methylhexyl, n-heptyl, isoheptyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl, 1-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, n-octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 1,1,3-trimethylhexyl, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylpentyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 1-methylundecyl, dodecyl, 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylhexyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, hexadecyl, heptadecyl, or octadecyl.

C₁-C₁₈Alkoxy radicals are straight-chain or branched alkoxy radicals, e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, amyloxy, isoamyloxy or tert-amyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, isooctyloxy, nonyloxy, decyloxy, undecyloxy, dodecyloxy, tetradecyloxy, pentadecyloxy, hexadecyloxy, heptadecyloxy and octadecyloxy.

C₂-C₁₈Alkenyl radicals are straight chain or branched alkenyl radicals, such as e.g. vinyl, allyl, methallyl, isopropenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, isobutenyl, n-penta-2,4-dienyl, 3-methyl-but-2-enyl, n-oct-2-enyl, n-dodec-2-enyl, isododecenyl, n-dodec-2-enyl or n-octadec-4-enyl.

C₂₋₂₄Alkynyl is straight-chain or branched and preferably C₂₋₈alkynyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted, such as, for example, ethynyl, 1-propyn-3-yl, 1-butyn-4-yl, 1-pentyn-5-yl, 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-yl, 1,4-pentadiyn-3-yl, 1,3-pentadiyn-5-yl, 1-hexyn-6-yl, cis-3-methyl-2-penten-4-yn-1-yl, trans-3-methyl-2-penten-4-yn-1-yl, 1,3-hexadiyn-5-yl, 1-octyn-8-yl, 1-nonyn-9-yl, 1-decyn-10-yl or 1-tetracosyn-24-yl, C₄-C₁₈cycloalkyl is preferably C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, such as, for example, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, cyclodecyl, cyclododecyl. Cyclohexyl and cyclododecyl are most preferred.

The term “aryl group” is typically C₆-C₃₀aryl, such as phenyl, indenyl, azulenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, terphenylyl or quadphenylyl, as-indacenyl, s-indacenyl, acenaphthylenyl, phenanthryl, fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen, picenyl, perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, pyrenyl, or anthracenyl, preferably phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 9-phenanthryl, 2- or 9-fluorenyl, 3- or 4-biphenyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted. Examples of C₆-C₁₈aryl are phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 3- or 4-biphenyl, 9-phenanthryl, 2- or 9-fluorenyl, which may be unsubstituted or substituted.

C₇-C₂₄aralkyl radicals are preferably C₇-C₁₈aralkyl radicals, which may be substituted, such as, for example, benzyl, 2-benzyl-2-propyl, β-phenyl-ethyl, α,α-dimethylbenzyl, ω-phenyl-butyl, ω,ω-dimethyl-ω-phenyl-butyl, ω-phenyl-dodecyl, ω-phenyl-octadecyl, ω-phenyl-eicosyl or ω-phenyl-docosyl, preferably C₇-C₁₈aralkyl such as benzyl, 2-benzyl-2-propyl, β-phenyl-ethyl, α,α-dimethylbenzyl, ω-phenyl-butyl, ω,ω-dimethyl-ω-phenyl-butyl, ω-phenyl-dodecyl or ω-phenyl-octadecyl, and particularly preferred C₇-C₁₂aralkyl such as benzyl, 2-benzyl-2-propyl, β-phenyl-ethyl, α,α-dimethylbenzyl, ω-phenyl-butyl, or ω,ω-dimethyl-ω-phenyl-butyl, in which both the aliphatic hydrocarbon group and aromatic hydrocarbon group may be unsubstituted or substituted.

C₇-C₁₂alkylaryl is, for example, a phenyl group substituted with one, two or three C₁-C₆alkyl groups, such as, for example, 2-, 3-, or 4-methylphenyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-ethylphenyl, 3-, or 4-isopropylphenyl, 3,4-dimethylphenyl, 3,5-dimethylphenyl, or 3,4,5-trimethylphenyl.

The term “heteroaryl group”, especially C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, is a ring, wherein nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur are the possible hetero atoms, and is typically an unsaturated heterocyclic radical with five to 18 atoms having at least six conjugated π-electrons such as thienyl, benzo[b]thienyl, dibenzo[b,d]thienyl, thianthrenyl, furyl, furfuryl, 2H-pyranyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, 2H-chromenyl, xanthenyl, dibenzofuranyl, phenoxythienyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, bipyridyl, triazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, 1H-pyrrolizinyl, isoindolyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, indolyl, 3H-indolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, purinyl, quinolizinyl, chinolyl, isochinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, chinoxalinyl, chinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbolinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, perimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, isothiazolyl, phenothiazinyl, isoxazolyl, furazanyl or phenoxazinyl, preferably the above-mentioned mono- or bicyclic heterocyclic radicals, which may be unsubstituted or substituted.

Halogen is fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

Examples of a five or six membered ring formed by R⁵ and R⁶ are heterocydoalkanes or heterocycloalkenes having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms which can have one additional hetero atom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, for example

which can be part of a bicyclic system, for example

which can optionally be substituted by G.

Possible substituents of the above-mentioned groups are C₁-C₈alkyl, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkylthio, halogen, halo-C₁-C₈alkyl, a cyano group, an aldehyde group, a ketone group, a carboxyl group, an ester group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, a nitro group or a silyl group.

As described above, the aforementioned radicals may be substituted by E and/or, if desired, interrupted by D. Interruptions are of course possible only in the case of radicals containing at least 2 carbon atoms connected to one another by single bonds; C₆-C₁₈aryl is not interrupted; interrupted arylalkyl or alkylaryl contains the unit D in the alkyl moiety. C₁-C₁₈alkyl substituted by one or more E and/or interrupted by one or more units D is, for example, (CH₂CH₂O)_(n)—R^(x), where n is a number from the range 1-9 and R^(x) is H or C₁-C₁₀alkyl or C₂-C₁₀alkanoyl (e.g. CO—CH(C₂H₅)C₄H₉), CH₂—CH(OR^(y)′)—CH₂—O—R^(y), where R^(y) is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, phenyl, C₇-C₁₅phenylalkyl, and R^(y)′ embraces the same definitions as R^(y) or is H; C₁-C₈alkylene-COO—R^(z), e.g. CH₂COOR_(z), CH(CH₃)COOR^(z), C(CH₃)₂COOR^(z), where R^(z) is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, (CH₂CH₂O)₁₋₉—R^(x), and R^(x) embraces the definitions indicated above;

-   -   CH₂CH₂—O—CO—CH═CH₂; CH₂CH(OH)CH₂—O—CO—C(CH₃)═CH₂.

The electroluminescent devices may be employed for full color display panels in, for example, mobile phones, televisions and personal computer screens.

The following Examples illustrate the invention. In the Examples and throughout this application, the term light emitting material means the present pyridine compounds.

EXAMPLES Example 1 2,4,6-tris-(p-bromophenyl)-pyridine can be prepared as described in A. Hopff, A. Heer Chimia (1959) 13, 105-107.

To 0.300 g (0.550 mmol) 2,4,6-tris-(p-bromophenyl)-pyridine in 20 ml toluol 0.38 g (1.93 mmol) 4-biphenylboronic acid are added. Argon is passed through the reaction mixture. 0.95 g (2.92 mmol) of caesium carbonate in 2 ml water are added dropwise to the reaction mixture. Then 20 mg of the catalyst (WO 99/47474) are added. The reaction mixture is refluxed for 4 h and then the solid is filtered of. The product is crystallized from dimethylformamide (yield: 0.31 g (74%); melting point: 315-317° C.).

Application Example 1

Present compound A1, as light emitting material, 2,5-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and a polycarbonate resin in a weight ratio of 5:3:2 are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran, and the solution is spin-coated on a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode to form a light-emitting layer having a thickness of 100 nm. An electrode having a thickness of 150 nm is formed thereon from a magnesium/indium alloy having a magnesium/indium mixing ratio of 10/1, to obtain an organic EL device. The device exhibits light emission with excellent brightness and efficiency at a direct current voltage of 5 V.

Application Example 2

Present compound A1 is vacuum-deposited on a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode to form a light-emitting layer having a thickness of 100 nm. An electrode having a thickness of 100 nm is formed thereon from a magnesium/silver alloy having a magnesium/silver mixing ratio of 10/1, to obtain an organic EL device. The light-emitting layer is formed by deposition under a vacuum of 10⁸ Torr at a substrate temperature of room temperature. The device shows emission having an excellent brightness and efficiency at a direct current voltage of 5 V.

Application Example 3

Present compound A1 is dissolved in methylene chloride tetrahydrofuran, and the solution is spin-coated on a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode to form a light-emitting layer having a thickness of 50 nm. Then, aluminum bis(2-methylquinolinate)(2-naphtolate) is vacuum-deposited to form an electron transporting layer having a thickness of 10 nm, and an electrode having a thickness of 100 nm is formed thereon from a magnesium/aluminum alloy having a magnesium/aluminum mixing ratio of 10/1, to obtain an organic EL device. The light-emitting layer and the electron-injecting layer are formed by deposition under a vacuum of 10⁶ Torr at a substrate temperature of room temperature. The device shows an emission having an excellent brightness and efficiency at a direct current voltage of 5 V.

Application Example 4

One of hole transporting materials (H-1) to (H-6) is vacuum-deposited on a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode, to form a hole transporting layer having a thickness of 30 nm. Then, present compound A1 is vacuum-deposited to form a light-emitting layer having a thickness of 30 nm. Further, one of electron transporting materials (E-1) to (E-6) is vacuum-deposited to form an electron transporting layer having a thickness of 30 nm. An electrode having a thickness of 150 nm is formed thereon from a magnesium/silver alloy having a magnesium/silver mixing ratio of 10/1, to obtain an organic EL device. Each layer is formed under a vacuum of 10⁶ Torr at a substrate temperature of room temperature. All the organic EL devices obtained in these Examples shows high brightness and efficiency.

Application Example 5

On a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode, 4,4′,4″-tris(N-(3-methylphenyl)-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine is vacuum-deposited to form a hole-injecting layer having a thickness of 25 nm. Further, a hole transporting material (H-1) is vacuum-deposited to form a hole transporting layer having a thickness of 5 nm. Then, compound A1 as light-emitting material is vacuum-deposited to form a light-emitting layer having a thickness of 20 nm. Further, an electron transporting material (E-1) is vacuum-deposited to form an electron transporting layer having a thickness of 30 nm. Then, an electrode having a thickness of 150 nm is formed thereon from a magnesium/silver alloy having an magnesium/silver mixing ratio of 10/1, to obtain an organic EL device. The device shows emission having an outstanding brightness and efficiency at a direct current voltage of 5 V.

Application Example 6

A hole transporting material (H-5) is vacuum-deposited on a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode to form a hole transporting layer having a thickness of 20 nm. Then, compound A1 as light-emitting material is vacuum-deposited to form a light-emitting layer having a thickness of 20 nm. Further, an electron transporting material (E-2) is vacuum-deposited to form a first electron transporting layer having a thickness of 20 nm. Then, an electron transporting material (E-5) is vacuum-deposited to form a second electron transporting layer having a thickness of 10 nm, and an electrode having a thickness of 150 nm is formed thereon from a magnesium/silver alloy having an magnesium/silver mixing ratio of 10/1, to obtain an organic EL device. The device shows light emission having an excellent brightness and efficiency at a direct current voltage of 5 V.

Application Example 7

An organic EL device is prepared in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the light-emitting layer is replaced with a 30 nm thick light-emitting layer formed by vacuum-depositing compound A1 and one of the dopant compounds (D-1) to (D-7) in a weight ratio of 100:1. All the organic EL devices obtained in these Examples shows high brightness characteristics and gives intended light emission colors.

Application Example 8

On a cleaned glass substrate with an ITO electrode, N,N′-1-naphthyl-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine and 5,10-diphenylanthracene are vacuum-deposited to form a hole-injecting layer. Further, 4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl is vacuum-deposited to form a hole transporting layer. Then, compound A1 as light-emitting material is vacuum-deposited to form a light-emitting layer. Then, an electrode is formed thereon from a magnesium/silver alloy having an magnesium/silver mixing ratio of 9/1, to obtain an organic EL device. The device shows emission having an outstanding brightness and efficiency at a direct current voltage of 5 V.

The organic EL devices obtained in the Application Examples of the present invention show an excellent light emission brightness and achieved a high light emission efficiency. When the organic EL devices obtained in the above Examples are allowed to continuously emit light at 3 (mA/cm²), all the organic EL devices remain stable. Since the light-emitting materials of the present invention have a very high fluorescence quantum efficiency, the organic EL devices using the light emitting materials achieved light emission with a high brightness in a low electric current applied region, and when the light-emitting layer additionally uses a doping material, the organic EL devices are improved in maximum light emission brightness and maximum light emission efficiency. Further, by adding a doping material having a different fluorescent color to the light-emitting material of the present invention, there are obtained light-emitting devices having a different light emission color. The organic EL devices of the present invention accomplish improvements in light emission efficiency and light emission brightness and a longer device life, and does not impose any limitations on a light-emitting material, a dopant, a hole transporting material, an electron transporting material, a sensitizer, a resin and an electrode material used in combination and the method of producing the device. The organic EL device using the material of the present invention as a light-emitting material achieves light emission having a high brightness with a high light emission efficiency and a longer life as compared with conventional devices. According to the light-emitting material of the present invention and the organic EL device of the present invention, there can be achieved an organic EL device having a high brightness, a high light emission efficiency and a long life. 

1. A pyridine compound of formula I

wherein at least one of the groups W, X and Y is a group of formula

or at least one of the groups W, X and Y is a condensed C₁₀-C₃₀aryl group selected from the group consisting of, naphthyl, as-indacnyl, s-indacenyl, acenaphthyl, fluorenyl, phenalenyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen, picenyl, perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, and pyrenyl, any of which can be substituted by one or more groups G; and the other groups are independently a group of formula

wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷, R^(17′), R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′), R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷ and R^(47′) are independently of each other H, E, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by G; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; or C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; or R¹¹ and R¹², R^(12′) and R¹³, R^(15′) and R¹⁶, R^(16′) and R¹⁷, R^(44′) and R⁴⁶ and/or R^(45′) and R⁴⁷ are each a divalent group L¹ selected from an oxygen atom, an sulfur atom, >CR¹⁸R¹⁹>SiR¹⁸R¹⁹, or

wherein R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; or R¹¹ and R^(11′), R¹² and R^(12′), R¹³ and R^(13′), R^(13′) and R¹⁴, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵, R¹⁵ and R^(15′) R¹⁶ and R^(16′), R^(17′) and R¹⁷, R⁴¹ and R^(41′), R⁴² and R⁴²⁴ , R^(42′) and R⁴³, R^(41′) and R⁴³, R⁴⁴ and R⁴⁴′, R⁴⁵ and R^(45′), R⁴⁶ and R^(46′), R⁴⁷ and R^(47′), R^(46′) and R⁴⁸ and/or R^(47′) and R⁴⁸ are each a divalent group

wherein R³⁰, R³¹, R³², R³³, R⁴⁹ and R⁵⁰ are independently of each other H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; E; C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl, which is substituted by G; R¹⁴ is H, C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, or C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, which is substituted by G, —NR⁷⁰R⁷¹; C₆-C₃₀aryl, or C₆-C₃₀aryl which is substituted by G, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; R⁴³ and R⁴⁸ are independently of each other H, E; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl, which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl; or C₂-C₃₀heteroaryl, which is substituted by G; —NR⁷⁰R⁷¹, wherein R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹ are independently of each other a C₆-C₁₈aryl group, which can be substituted by G; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G, or is a condensed C₁₀-C₃₀aryl group, selected from the group consisting of naphthyl, as-indacnyl, s-indacenyl, acenaphthyl, fluorenyl, phenalenyl, phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, fluoranthenyl, triphenlenyl, chrysenyl, naphthacen, picenyl, perylenyl, pentaphenyl, hexacenyl, and pyrenyl, any of which can be substituted by one or more groups G; or R⁷⁰ and R⁷¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded form a five or six-membered ring, D is —CO—; —COO—; —OCOO—; —S—; —SO—; —SO₂—; —O—; —NR⁵—; SiR⁶¹R⁶²—; —POR⁵—; —CR⁶³═CR⁶⁴—; or —C≡C—; E is —OR⁵; —SR⁵; —NR⁵R⁶; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁶; —CN; or halogen; G is E, or C₁-C₁₈alkyl, wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; or R⁵ and R⁶together form a five or six membered ring, R⁷ is C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; R⁸ is C₇-C₁₂alkylaryl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or Cl-C,₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; R⁶¹ and R⁶² are independently of each other C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—, and R⁶³ and R⁶⁴ are independently of each other H, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by —O—; with the proviso that compounds of formula I, wherein Y is

and X and W are

Y is

X is

and W is

Y and W are

and X is

W is

X is

and Y is

are excluded.
 2. A pyridine compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein W, X and Y are independently of each other a group of formula

wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷ and R^(17′) are independently of each other H, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by G; E, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; or W is a group of the formula —W¹—W²—W³, X is a group of the formula —X¹—X²—X³ and Y is a group of the formula —Y¹—Y²—Y³, wherein W¹, W², X¹, X², Y¹ and Y² are independently of each other a group of formula

and W³, X³ and Y³ are independently of each other a group of formula


3. The pyridine compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷ and R^(17′), R⁴¹, R^(41′), R⁴², R^(42′), R⁴⁴, R^(44′), R⁴⁵, R^(45′), R⁴⁶, R^(46′), R⁴⁷, R^(47′), as well as R¹⁴, R⁴³, and R⁴⁸ are independently of each other H, E; or C₁-C₈alkyl; wherein E is —OR⁵; —SR⁵; —NR⁵R⁶; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁶; —CN; —OCOOR⁷; or F; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other C₆-C₁₂aryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl; R⁷ is C₇-C₁₂alkylaryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl; and R⁸ is C₆-C₁₂aryl; or C₁-C₈alkyl.
 4. The pyridine compound according to claim 1, wherein W, X and Y are a group of formula

wherein R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H and R²⁰ is H, or

or R¹³ and R¹⁵ are H, R¹³ and R^(15′) are independently of each other H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy, and R²⁰ is H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy; or R¹³, R¹⁵ and R¹⁵ are H, and R^(13′) and R²⁰ are

or R²⁰, R¹⁵ and R^(15′) are H, and R¹³ and R¹³′ are

wherein R³⁰, R³¹, R³² and R³³ are H, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈alkoxy.
 5. The pyridine compound according to claim 1, wherein W, X and Y are independently of each other a group of formula

wherein R¹⁸ and R¹⁹ are independently of each other C₁-C₈alkyl.
 6. The pyridine compound according to claim 1, wherein X is

and W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—(W²)_(b)—W³, wherein b is 0, or, 1, W¹ and W² are independently of each other a group of formula

W³ is a group of formula

or —NR⁶⁰R⁶¹, wherein R⁶⁰ and R⁶¹ are independently of each other a group of formula

wherein R⁵², R⁵³ and R⁵⁴are independently of each other hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, a hydroxyl group, a mercapto group, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈alkylthio, halogen, halo-C₁-C₈alkyl, a cyano group, an aldehyde group, a ketone group, a carboxyl group, an ester group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, a nitro group, a silyl group or a siloxanyl group, or X, W and Y are a group of the formula —W¹—(W²)_(b)—W³, wherein b, W¹, W² and W³ are as defined above.
 7. The pyridine compound according to claim 1, wherein W and Y are independently of each other a group of formula

X is a group of formula


8. The pyridine compound according to claim 1, wherein X is

and W and Y are a group Ar¹—Ar², wherein Ar¹ is a group of formula

Ar² is a group of formula

wherein R³⁰, R³¹, R³², R³³, R³⁴, R³⁵, R³⁶, R³⁷ and R³⁸ are independently of each other H, E, C₆-C₁₈aryl; C₆-C₁₈aryl which is substituted by G; C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; or C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; e is an integer 1, or 2, or X, W and Y are a group Ar¹—Ar², wherein Ar¹ and Ar²are as defined above.
 9. An electroluminescent device, comprising a pyridine compound of formula I according to claim 1 and/or compounds of formula I, wherein Y is

and X and W are

Y is

X is

and W is

Y and W are

and X is

W is

X is

and Y is


10. Electroluminescent device according to claim 9, wherein the electroluminescent device comprises in this order (a) an anode (b) a hole injecting layer and/or a hole transporting layer (c) a light-emitting layer (d) optionally an electron transporting layer and (e) a cathode.
 11. Electroluminescent device according to claim 10, wherein the pyridine compound of formula I forms the light-emitting layer.
 12. Photoreceptors, photoelectric converters, solar cells, image sensors and dye lasers comprising compounds of formula I according to claim
 1. 13. A pyridine compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R¹⁴ is H, or a group

wherein R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶ and R²⁷ are independently of each other H, E, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; E; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G; and when R⁵ and R⁶ together form a five or six membered ring, the five or six membered ring is


14. A pyridine compound of formula I according to claim 2, wherein R¹⁴ is H, or a group

wherein R²¹, R²², R²³, R²⁴, R²⁵, R²⁶ and R²⁷ are independently of each other H, E, C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by E and/or interrupted by D; E; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl; C₇-C₁₈aralkyl which is substituted by G.
 15. The pyridine compound according to claim 2, wherein R¹¹, R^(11′), R¹², R^(12′), R¹³, R^(13′), R¹⁵, R^(15′), R¹⁶, R^(16′), R¹⁷ and R^(17′) as well as R¹⁴, R⁴³, and R⁴⁸ are independently of each other H, E; or C₁-C₈alkyl; wherein E is —OR⁵; —SR⁵; —NR⁵R⁶; —COR⁸; —COOR⁷; —CONR⁵R⁶; —CN; —OCOOR⁷; or F; wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently of each other C₆-C₁₂aryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl; R⁷ is C₇-C₁₂alkylaryl, or C₁-C₈alkyl; and R⁸ is C₆-C₁₂aryl; or C₁-C₈alkyl.
 16. The pyridine compound according to claim 7, wherein W and Y are independently of each other a group of formula

and X is a group of formula 